Inheritance is a very personal film to director and writer Tyler Savage, a fifth generation California native. Always mindful of the genetic demons that lay dormant - alcoholism and depression specifically - Savage used this as an inspiration for the film itself, and constructed it using the framework of a genre we all hold dear.

Instead of alcoholism and depression, something much more sinister haunts the bloodline of the film's central character Ryan Bowman, a solemn, brooding every-man. It isn't clear exactly what that is, at least not early on, but when a 2.5 million dollar home is left to Ryan in his biological father's will, the subsequent search through the property unveils a dark and violent past which threatens to haunt and consume his life, affecting those he holds near and dear.

Given the dark subject matter and the way in which it's been filtered through, and molded around the genre, Inheritance finds itself to be a very special kind of horror film. It's one that's very much grounded in all the possibilities of our own reality, but flavored enough to add a bit of punch to the narrative. What makes it all the more effective is the way in which Tyler Savage allows the story to naturally unfold, and in the process, build a very palpable atmosphere. Speaking of, its worth noting just how remarkable the cinematography in this film is. Credit to the impressive work done by Drew Daniels (Krisha, Found Footage 3D) and the rest of the art and photography crew, there isn't a scene in the film that's wasted visually, and the more ominous moments are elevated greatly by the stunningly beautiful shots.

The high level of competency doesn't end there either. We have some stellar performances from the cast with the film's two leads being absolute stand outs, and thankfully too since they are - far and away - given the most screen time. Sarah Montez (Pitch) as Isi Rosales is intense, passionate, and electrifying; her scenes are always a joy to watch. And playing as her counterpart, Chase Joliet (It Comes at Night) as the film's central character Ryan Bowman, who's role admittedly calls for a little less range, is equally intense, appropriately morose, and violently explosive when the scene calls for it. As the film ratchets up the suspense, and tightens the vice of dread, both actors elevate their performances to match the film's energy which provides for a symbiotic relationship that benefits the story and its delivery as a whole.

When Inheritance finally concludes, and the mysteries of Ryan's past have been fully revealed, the drop from its crescendo will leave you exhausted. The finale explodes violently, allowing the more overt horror elements to take center stage, and considering the slow emotional buildup to that point, its punch hits a lot harder than it otherwise would had it taken a sharper, faster trajectory. This is a patient horror film that relishes in twisting your stomach into knots, and when you've had enough, disemboweling you physically and emotionally, with a ghastly smile on its bloody face; I can't recommend it enough.